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Hetalia (made up of the words for useless + italy) is the story of the countries of the world made into people, carrying with them that nation's stereotypes. The main setting is the WWI/WWII era, but other scenes from history (such as the American Revolution) are sometimes depicted.

The story is centered around the Axis Powers, and the main character is Italy, who is a clumsy idiot who loves pasta and pizza. He is joined by the serious sausage-eating Germany and the polite and shy Japan. It is a gag manga that takes pieces of history and makes them funny, poking fun at the stereotypes and quirks of countries around the world. Because of this, fans say that this manga is the key to world peace. :P It at least certainly made me more interested in history.

Only one volume of the manga has been published in the spring, so it is amazing for an anime announcement to be made only 4 months after the manga's first publication. Even before the release of the drama CD in August...

Here is the voice cast so far (assuming the drama CD and anime will be the same):

The manga has become a bestseller, selling 250,000+ copies in a short period of time despite that almost 100% of the printed manga's contents are available for free online. "Hetalia" is actually a webcomic, which can be read here:

I love the concept of this. I found it funny because I had been wondering if anything like this existed (countries personified as people , men or womean) about 1 month before I found out about Hetalia.

Seiyu choice looks like it's prime for some laughs.
Japan's seiyu is the same as Kenji from School Rumble
Germany's seiyu has a deep voice.
France's seiyu voiced Isaac from Baccano!
United Kingdom's seiyu is the same as Shirou from "Fate/stay night" (I'm really gonna laugh at that).

I had started reading the comic online a while ago because I had just finished reading Afghanis-tan and Hetalia Axis appealed to me even more because I'm a history 'tard, but I had gotten distracted with other titles and couldn't find the time to read it until the anime announcement was posted. Needless to say, I am really excited, and the announcement has gotten me reading the series again so I know what to expect from the anime. The -tan concept is great and it's even more hilarious with countries because of the stereotypes that are sure to follow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cicido

Well, I guess its better than turning all of the countries into moemoe girls. @ - @

You mean like the game "Moe Moe Niji Taisen"? Do yourself a favor and don't look it up, really. (._.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seko

Does anyone know where to purchase the CD Drama?

Neither CDJapan nor Amazon Japan appear to have it, though Amazon Japan does have the graphic novel for sale. I would keep watching both officialsites for more information, a catalog number might be posted in addition to the release dates that have already been posted (though, I would advise to keep an eye on the second site, as it seems to be the official site for the anime and most of the pages are still under construction).

I actually disagree. I find his "hero" voice quite interesting. If you've ever heard Zhao Yun in the JP version of Dynasty Warriors, that's Masaya-san. (I guess Zhuge Liang will be the "gentleman" voice.)

The drama CD was very good. This show is definitely the one I'm looking forward to the most in 2009 (no date confirmed yet, but I predict it will sneak out next spring or summer).

Fun fact: the drama CD prologue is currently the #1 selling good over all goods, all series at national anime goods chain "animate". #2 is a lucky star book, #3 and #4 are the hetalia trading card sets. Preorders for October's new hetalia CD are the 3rd top selling CD.